Holiday Guide to Back Care

Parties.
Gift shopping. Family gatherings. Curling up to watch a favorite movie on
the couch…. The holiday season is full of reasons for good cheer.
And yet, according to the American Physical Therapy Association, it is also
prime time for Americans to suffer from back and neck pain.

For one
thing, the stress associated with extra obligations during the holidays can
increase muscle tension, aggravating any existing condition. But there are
also a number of common seasonal activities— such as entertaining,
shopping, and wrapping gifts— that can lead directly to back and neck
pain. Here are a few tips from the American Chiropractic Association to help
you stay pain free this holiday season.

At
home (or visiting a friend or relative’s home):

Sit
in a firm but comfortable chair, and pay attention to posture while entertaining
friends and family or watching television. Spending hours on too-soft sofas
in poor posture can cause imbalances along the spine.

Don’t
cook, clean, and talk on the phone all at once— unless you have a
headset. Cradling the phone between your ear and shoulder can lead to muscle
tension and neck pain.

While shopping:

Leave
your overstuffed purse at home. Instead, wear a fanny pack or take a small
wallet containing only the essentials— credit card, driver’s
license, and your gift list of course.

Don’t
try to carry too much at once. Make frequent visits to your car to unload
bags, if necessary. For larger items, don’t be shy— ask your
sales clerk for help!

Remember,
shopping can be an endurance sport, so treat yourself right after a long
day of shopping. Stretch your muscles and take a hot shower or bath to
release tension that may have accumulated during the day.

Wrapping gifts:

Wrap
presents at a table. While spreading out on the floor may be fun and convenient,
it encourages poor posture and tension.

Sticking
to a routine of physical activity, getting adequate rest, and eating well
will also help relieve stress and tension during the holidays. Above all,
relax! It’s one of the best things you can do for yourself, your family,
and your back. And if you do experience neck or back pain, be sure to fit
an appointment with your doctor of chiropractic into your busy schedule.